The Informer · Chapter
XII explained
Gypo Nolan is formally condemned to death by the revolutionary court.
What happens
Gypo Nolan is formally condemned to death by the revolutionary court. Commandant Dan Gallagher orders Bartly Mulholland and three men to execute the sentence on a remote mountain road. Gallagher then informs Mary McPhillip that Gypo was the informer, but Mary, now horrified by the violence, pleads with Gallagher not to kill him, confessing her love in an attempt to stop the execution. Gallagher struggles between his passion for Mary and his revolutionary duty.
Themes in this chapter
Violence and Revolution
The chapter centers on the formal condemnation and planned execution of Gypo, highlighting the revolutionary court's cold, procedural approach to lethal justice.
Guilt and Paranoia
Mary's plea reveals her guilt over her earlier bloodthirsty talk, while Gallagher's suspicion of her motives reflects the paranoid atmosphere of the revolutionary movement.
Loyalty and Comradeship
Gallagher's orders to the execution squad emphasize discipline and loyalty to the cause, contrasting with Mary's personal loyalty to Gypo and her brother's memory.
Characters to notice
- Commandant Dan Gallagher
Presides over the court that condemns Gypo, gives execution orders, and then confronts Mary McPhillip, torn between his desire for her and his commitment to revolutionary justice.
- Mary McPhillip
Learns that Gypo is the informer, but pleads with Gallagher to spare him, expressing horror at the cycle of violence and confessing her love to try to prevent the execution.
- Gypo Nolan
Condemned to death by the revolutionary court; his fate is sealed as the execution squad prepares to take him away.
- Bartly Mulholland
Appointed by Gallagher to lead the execution squad, tasked with casting lots and carrying out the sentence on the mountain road.
- Tommy Connor
Mentioned as having entered the guardroom and speaking to the armed men in a hoarse voice.
Key passages
“At eleven minutes past three Gypo was condemned to death.”
The revolutionary court formally sentenced Gypo to death at 3:11 PM.
This marks the official verdict of the inquiry, setting the execution in motion.
“We have discovered the informer, Mary. Your brother will be shortly avenged. It was Gypo Nolan who betrayed him.”
Gallagher tells Mary that Gypo is the informer and that her brother's death will soon be avenged.
Gallagher reveals the identity of the informer to Mary, expecting her approval but instead meeting her opposition.
“Dan, don't do it, for my sake. I love you. Don't do it, for my sake and I'll do anything you want me.”
Mary begs Gallagher to spare Gypo, offering her love and submission in exchange for mercy.
Mary's desperate plea shows her transformation from a supporter of vengeance to a horrified opponent of further bloodshed.